Libyan Revolution Day 31 (RIP Mohammed Nabbous, killed by Gaddafi forces, airstrikes begin)

[joshcryer]

Links to sites with updates: http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-20">AJE Live Blog March 20 (today) http://blogs.aljazeera.net/twitter-dashboard">AJE Twitter Dashboard http://feb17.info/">feb17.info http://www.livestream.com/libya17feb?utm_source=lsplayer&utm_medium=embed&utm_campaign=footerlinks">Libya Alhurra (live video webcast from Benghazi) http://www.libyafeb17.com/">libyafeb17.com

Twitter links: http://twitter.com/#!/aymanm">Ayman Mohyeldin, with AJE http://twitter.com/#!/bencnn">Ben Wedeman, with CNN http://twitter.com/#!/tripolitanian">tripolitanian, a Libyan from Tripoli http://twitter.com/#!/BaghdadBrian">Brian Conley, reporter in Libya http://twitter.com/#!/freelibyanyouth">FreeLibyanYouth, Libyan advocate http://twitter.com/#!/LibyaFeb17_com">LibyaFeb17.com twitter account http://twitter.com/#!/ChangeInLibya">ChangeInLibya, Libyan advocate

Useful links: http://audioboo.fm/feb17voices">feb17voices http://www.google.com/search?q=time+in+libya">Current time in Libya http://www.islamicfinder.org/cityPrayerNew.php?country=libya">Prayer times in Libya

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x687641">Day 30 part 2 here.

Mohammed Nabbous, killed by Gaddafi's forces while trying to report on the massacre in Benghazi

"I'm not afraid to die, I'm afraid to lose the battle" -Mohammed Nabbous, a month ago when all this began
I'm struggling to come up with something to say about this man. I was not aware of the Libyan uprising until I saw Mo's first report, begging for help, posted here on DU. I was stricken. Here was a man giving everything he had to explain a situation that clearly terrified him, I would not call him a coward in that moment, but you could see the fear in his eyes, and desperation in his voice. For 30 days Nabbous would spend many hours covering the uprising in Benghazi. For many nights I would go to sleep with the webcast of Benghazi live on my computer screen, looking to it occasionally to be sure it was still 'there.' Mo treated the chat room as if we were his friends, and in some way, we were. I never signed up to LiveStream to thank him for all his work and it seems somewhat shallow to do so now, given that I was a lurker for so long. Ever since I took over posting these threads "Libya Alhurra" has been linked as a source of information. It wasn't until last night, when I posted, and twitter posted on Mo's adventures out into Benghazi to try to determine the truth of the situation, that Mo's webchannel became a hit, over 2000 people were watching him stream live. This was curious to him because he'd done many reports like this in the past but he appeared somewhat bemused that the view count exploded as it did. Last night Mo became a star. This is a man who first started out with a webcast replete with fear and desperation finally overcoming that aspect of himself and losing that fear, to become someone who was a fighter for the resistance just as much as those who held the guns. Reporting on the front lines of Benghazi became his final act, and for that he should never, ever be forgotten. I'm so sorry Mo that I never got to know you better.

Mo leaves behind a wife who is with child.

Mo's first report, which many of you may remember, begging for help: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38EXALI60hg

Mo's last report, a fallen hero trying to spread the word to the world: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ecu_iWLn-rg

Sam Sites in Libya

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/sc-dc-0320-us-military-libya-20110319,0,7579064.story?track=rss">U.S. warships launch airstrikes on Libya
Reporting from Washington— U.S. warships launched airstrikes at targets along Libya's coast on Saturday in an opening attack to degrade Moammar Kadafi's air defense systems and allow international allies to establish a no-fly zone aimed at protecting civilians.

The U.S. and Britain launched more than 110 Tomahawk missiles at more than 20 targets. The strikes targeted specifically surface-to-air missile sites and radar detectors that are part of the Libyan military's air defense infrastructure, said Vice Admiral William E. Gortney, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command.

The U.S. had identified sites along the coast of Libya, including around the capital of Tripoli and the city of Misratah, the Pentagon confirmed.

While President Obama has emphasized that American forces would play a subordinate role in enforcing the no-fly zone over Libya, the Pentagon said the U.S. had to lead the operation in its early days because it has the greatest capability to destroy Kadafi's air defenses, a key prerequisite to taking control of Libya's airspace.

The USS Barry launches a Tomahawk missile in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn


http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x677397">Text of the resolution.

How will a no fly zone work? AJE reports: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWEwehTtK2k

Canada:

http://winnipeg.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20110317/cf-libya-canada/20110317/?hub=WinnipegHome">Canada to send six CF-18s for Libya 'no-fly' mission
Canada will contribute six CF-18 fighter jets to help enforce a no-fly zone in Libya, sources have told CTV News.

Norway:

http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFOSN00509220110318">Norway to join military intervention in Libya
OSLO, March 18 (Reuters) - Norway will join the international military action against Muammar Gaddafi's forces in Libya, a Norwegian daily quoted the defence minister as saying on its website on Friday.

"We will contribute to the operation," Grete Faremo told the daily Verdens Gang. "But it is too early to say exactly in what way. Sending air capabilities would be natural."

Belgium:

http://www.lesoir.be/actualite/monde/2011-03-18/la-belgique-prete-a-une-operation-militaire-en-libye-828970.php">Belgium ready for a military operation in Libya
Our country is available to take part in a military operation in Libya, following the UN vote authorizing the use of force against Gaddafi. The government has observed, in Parliament yesterday, a broad consensus in the Belgian political class on the need to prevent the Libyan leader to crush the rebellion in Benghazi.

Qatar and the UAE:

http://www.defpro.com/daily/details/776/?SID=e80884adc09a37d26904578a9b5978cb">Run-up for Western world’s next military commitment ... with unusual support
France and the United Kingdom, which spearheaded the diplomatic push in the Security Council for the implementation of a no-fly zone, received unusual but certainly very welcome support. According to a further unnamed AFP source, the Council confirmed that Qatar and the UAE will join the international effort.

Denmark:

http://www.cphpost.dk/news/international/89-international/51229-denmark-ready-for-action-against-gaddafi.html">Denmark ready for action against Gaddafi
Espersen will discuss the resolution “as soon as possible” with the other political parties.

“We’re ready to take action immediately, and that includes ensuring prompt treatment of the resolution in parliament, so that Denmark can deploy its four F-16 fighter jets,” she said.

France:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/19/world/africa/19libya.html?src=twrhp">Following U.N. Vote, France Vows Libya Action ‘Soon’
UNITED NATIONS — Only hours after the United Nations Security Council voted to authorize military action, including airstrikes against Libyan tanks and heavy artillery and impose a no-flight zone to try to avert a rout of rebels by forces loyal to Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi. French officials said on Friday that military action would start “within a few hours” and news reports said British and French warplanes would spearhead the attack.

Italy:

http://af.reuters.com/article/commoditiesNews/idAFLDE72G2HE20110317">Italy to make bases available for Libya no-fly zone-source
TUNIS, March 17 (Reuters) - Italy is ready to make its military bases available to enforce a U.N. Security Counci resolution imposing a no-fly zone on Libya, an Italian government source told Reuters on Thursday.

United Kingdom:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12770467">Libya: UK forces prepare after UN no-fly zone vote
UK forces are preparing to help enforce a no-fly zone over Libya after the UN backed "all necessary measures", short of an invasion, to protect civilians.

United States:

http://www.newsday.com/news/nation/nations-draw-up-plans-for-no-fly-zone-over-libya-1.2765122">Nations draw up plans for no-fly zone over Libya
The United States, France and Britain were making plans Friday to prevent Moammar Gadhafi's forces from attacking Libyans after the U.N. Security Council authorized a no-fly zone over Libya and "all necessary measures" to protect civilians.

Jordan:

http://www.smh.com.au/world/military-strikes-on-libya-within-hours-20110318-1bzii.html?from=smh_sb">Military strikes on Libya 'within hours'
Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates will join international forces ready to enforce the no-fly zone, US Congress and UN diplomatic sources say.

Spain:

http://english.cri.cn/6966/2011/03/19/2801s627320.htm"> Spain Expected to Join NATO No-fly Zone Enforcement over LibyaPrime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero is expected to confirm Spain's contribution of two air force bases at a summit in Paris to discuss the enforcement of a no-fly zone over Libya Saturday.

"One month ago (Western countries) were sooo nice, so nice like pussycats," Saif says in a contemptuous sing-song tone."Now they want to be really aggressive like tigers. (But) soon they will come back, and cut oil deals, contracts. We know this game." - http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2058389,00.html">Saif Gaddafi

(Yeah, Saif, as if you weren't "cutting oil deals, contracts" with western states. Who are the 'tigers' now? Bombing your own people.)

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-10-0">March 10 7:28pm Saif al Islam Gaddafi says "the time has come for full-scale military action" against Libyan rebels. He goes on to say that Libyan forces loyal to his family "will never surrender, even if western powers intervene".

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/interactive/2011/feb/27/libya-tripoli-unrest-gaddafi-map">Click here for updated and interactive map

Military Installations



Oil Map



http://bit.ly/fe3P">Google Earth DL here to see positions of army and patrolling route of mercenaries

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=212059469427545728757.00049c4df2474b6543347&ll=31.203405,30.058594&spn=96.173452,183.867188&z=3">MAP of Protests across the Middle East

[joshcryer]

1. Current Time in Libya, 1:35am Sunday, March 20

[Faygo Kid]

2. Wow, quite a post. Thanks for your work here. And RIP, Mo.

Will read every link in it, but if the Norwegians and Danes are involved, it must be warmongering.

If this was the 11th century, of course.

[tabatha]

3. Excellent post.

Thanks for listing the countries involved.

Quote by Mo:

"I'm not afraid to die, I'm afraid to lose the battle"

We have to make sure that the battle is not lost.

His appeal for help was February 19th.

[joshcryer]

4. Oh my god I forgot about that quote. I'm tearing up again. It deserves to be in OP.

[tabatha]

6. For people who are worried about the civilians killed

by the no-fly zone. I have heard many Libyans say they are willing to die for freedom.

That is, if the have to die so that Gaddafi is removed, they don't mind.

They do mind being killed by Gaddafi.

[joshcryer]

7. Thank you so much for reminding me of that. I remember seeing the video.

And that quote stood out to me so much.

[joshcryer]

9. Here's the post I was thinking of:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=385&topic_id=555942&mesg_id=556243

That was it, Feb 20, when I became aware of the situation and started following it.

[pinboy3niner]

5. Four Al Jazeera correspondents detained by Libyan authorities

Libyan journalist killed in assault on rebel capital; Al-Jazeera crew arrested in west Libya
By The Associated Press (CP) – 1 hour ago

...


Also Saturday, Al-Jazeera TV said Libyan authorities detained a team of its journalists in western Libya.

The four correspondents are Tunisian, Mauritanian, Norwegian and British. They were reporting from Libya for several days, the network said.

"Libyan authorities will be held responsible for the safety, security and well-being of the team who are being held in Tripoli, adding that regional parties are deploying efforts to secure their release," the Qatar-based channel said in a statement.


http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5gooFJy09dIEHkfHMmL-6-JytKLGg?docId=6303222

[vaberella]

8. I thought they said this was a rumor. You're kidding me.

I read it was a rumor. This can't be true. He was alive this morning. Jesus Christ!

[joshcryer]

10. It's real. I can't believe it either. :(

[pinboy3niner]

11. UAE to contribute 24 fighter jets for NFZ; Qatar will provide at least 4

From AJE:

12:18am

AFP reports that the United Arab Emirates will be contributing 24 fighter jets (Mirage 2000-9s and F-16s) and Qatar will contribute between four and six Mirage 2000-5s, citing a French official.

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-20-0

[pinboy3niner]

12. Reuters: Gaddafi defences "severely disabled" - U.S. official

Source is described as "a U.S. national security official."

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/03/19/uk-libya-usa-defenses-idUKTRE72I4CM20110319

[Change Happens]

13. WOW, an amazing post for sure! May God bless freedom fighters everywhere!!!

Change is coming even to the ME! I am beyong thrilled!

[pinboy3niner]

14. Endgame in Libya: how the world called time on Gaddafi

Very good article, with interesting story on how the President came to support intervention.


Source: The Guardian

Endgame in Libya: how the world called time on Gaddafi


Cameron built an international consensus leading to UN security council resolution 1973 by keeping Obama at arms length


Daniel Boffey and Ian Black in Tripoli, Ewen MacAskill in Washington, Mark Townsend and Toby Helm guardian.co.uk, Saturday 19 March 2011 21.12 GMT


...


As British, French and Canadian warplanes sped towards Libyan airspace, Gaddafi's "ceasefire" had proved to be a fiction. His troops had penetrated deep into Benghazi, where street battles and an artillery bombardment continued through the day. News reports estimated that at least 26 bodies and more than 40 wounded people had been taken to the city's Jala hospital.

...


Distancing the US administration from proposed military action was also, a Downing Street source admitted, part of the process of building support for the UN resolution. Cameron spoke to Obama shortly after it was passed but that was the first time in eight days. It was important, the source said, that this did not look like a western initiative – the shadow of Iraq was ever present. "We have been thoughtful about the prime minister's interventions, and the first calls on Wednesday night were to Arab countries," said one source. Indeed, while the White House was untroubled by calls from London during the week, Cameron twice rang the prime minister of Qatar, Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani.

...




But, while listening intently to Gates, Obama's mind was open. While he and his secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, were sceptical, even as late as Sunday, on whether military action was desirable, they did not rule it out. When Gaddafi then appeared to be pushing back the rebels, Clinton changed course and formed an alliance with a handful of aides to turn the president's head.

With Samantha Power, a senior aide at the National Security Council and Susan Rice, Obama's ambassador to the UN, the three women countered Gates's arguments that Libya was a risk not worth taking. They were able to show Obama that the Arab world wanted action, and while the president seemed at times more concerned with unfolding events in Yemen – where the American Fifth Fleet is docked – he was persuaded within 24 hours of the case for action.

...


http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/19/endgame-libya-world-time-gaddafi

[joshcryer]

17. Many more people need to read this. Very good article by The Guardian.

[pinboy3niner]

15. Heavy anti-aircraft fire and explosions going on in Tripoli now

Just reported live by two correspondents in Tripoli, Nic Robertson on CNN and Anita McNaught on AJE.

[pinboy3niner]

16. Spain: F18 fighters, other aircraft have been sent for Libya NFZ; ship, sub & more to come

AJE:

12:45am

Spain's defence ministry in a statement said four F-18 fighter jets and refuelling aircraft have been sent to the Italian base on the island of Sardinia as part of international air raids on Libya. It will also deploy an F-100 frigate, an S-74 submarine and a CN-235 maritime surveillance plane.

The statement said:

"These planes will carry out patrol mission and will be operational from tomorrow, Sunday."

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-20-0

[joshcryer]

18. AA batteries bombed in: An-Naasiriyah, Al Ma’moorah, Al Garaboolee and Tajoura

02:29 Almanara Media reports that anti-aircraft missile batteries have been bombarded in the following locations: An-Naasiriyah, Al Ma’moorah, Al Garaboolee and Tajoura

http://www.libyafeb17.com/

[pinboy3niner]

19. CNN: UK says RAF has launched missiles on Libyan sites from Tornado GR4 fast jets

Just reported on-air as breaking news.

[tabatha]

20. Another tribute to Mo.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x693762

[hardcover]

21. Josh, get over here now!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=439&topic_id=693673&mesg_id=693831

[joshcryer]

22. I'm aware of it. It's not particularly concerning to me right now.

It amounts to "omg scary brown people!" sorry.

[hardcover]

23. If we are enabling another Iranian type government then I'm done here.

That is not freedom.

[joshcryer]

24. Mohammed Nabbous didn't fight for an Iranian type government and the youth will fight for better.

The NTC has already said that they're fighting for a democratic referendum. The question is whether or not they can make it through Gaddafi's murderous rampage to be able to implement it.

You cannot fault them if Gaddafi takes out the people who are trying to get it done and then they have no leadership or voice. The silencing of Mohammed Nabbous was the beginning of that.

[hardcover]

26. I'm torn between a hope and a fear.

[Waiting For Everyman]

25. So sorry to hear this.

A very moving post, joshcryer.

It's so sad that he didn't live to be part of post-Quaddafi Libya.

[joshcryer]

27. In remembrance of Mohommed Nabbous. "I'm not afraid to die, I'm afraid to lose the battle."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7Q-rxUcW3o

Crying now, fucking shit man. Fuck! Breaking my heart to see DU against the revolutionaries. And yes, the posts here are against the revolutionaries, I don't care how they try to spin it. :cry:

[bobbolink]

30. I'm with you! I have been hiding so many threads.... I just can't stand it.

I wish all these people had bothered to spend some time each day reading these threads by Catherina and you, to HEAR what the people themselves have been asking for!

Both of you have gone to a great deal of effort.. and sacrifice... to bring these to us, and all it would have taken is some reading every day.

:cry:

It seems like this latest death is pretty much what Catherina was predicing.... :cry:

Thanks, josh.... just keep going with it.

[joshcryer]

32. Even she has come out against them which breaks my heart the most.

[bobbolink]

36. Where did you hear that?

It was my understanding that she was pulling back from any involvement with Libya news.....

[joshcryer]

38. It was building for awhile.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=439&topic_id=693622&mesg_id=694106

Her support for the revolutionaries was lukewarm at best and as it became more and more clear that Gaddafi wasn't stepping down the stress got to her.

[bobbolink]

40. wow... that post stuns me.

I had no idea.

Shocked.....

Thank you for pointing me in that direction.... although it blows a lot of conceptions I was apparently erroneously holding.

:(

[joshcryer]

43. delete

wrong spot

[Turborama]

54. LBN OP posted in memory of Mo & his last video report

Here, please give it a kick to help it stay on page 1 for a while longer: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x4778320

I have seen it being unrec'd a couple of times, too, fuck knows why.

As has this post of the last video he made: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x565081

[joshcryer]

28. Libyan envoy's secret visit to Tunis exposed

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/africa/2011/03/19/libyan-envoys-secret-visit-tunis-exposed">Libyan envoy's secret visit to Tunis exposed
Muammar Gaddafi has sent a top diplomat to Tunisia in what was supposed to be a secret visit.

Ali Treki, Libya's former foreign minister, is staying at the same hotel where Ban Ki-Moon, the UN Secretary-General, is booked when he arrives on Tuesday.

When Nazanine Moshiri, Al Jazeera's correspondent in Tunisia, uncovered Ali Treki's visit to Tunis, the Libyan diplomat responded with a burst of rage.

Treki, who was president of the UN General Assembly until September, berated the Al Jazeera team when they filmed him in the lobby of the Regency Hotel in Gammarth, a suburb north of Tunis, on Saturday afternoon.

[joshcryer]

29. Fact file: Storm Shadow missile

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/2882597.stm">Fact file: Storm Shadow missile

The RAF's Storm Shadow missile is a long-range air-launched cruise missile - and one of the most sophisticated air-launch weapons in the world.

It is designed to hit well-defended static targets such as facilities, bunkers and bridges without the need to place a bomber in a situation where it would face enemy air-defences.

The missile is launched from the RAF's Tornado GR4 and will be added to the Eurofighter Typhoon when it enters service.

Storm Shadow is a "fire and forget" weapon. Its strength is in that it can be launched by a bomber from any location up to up to 155 miles (250km) from the actual target.

Bet Gaddafi wishes he had a few of these.

[Posteritatis]

31. He will soon enough, in a manner of speaking. (nt)

[joshcryer]

33. Rally for Libya in Winnipeg in Memory of Mohamed Nabbous

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOh9i8KAd9E

:cry:

[bobbolink]

37. Aw, that is touching....

[joshcryer]

34. First footage of bombing runs by international coalition

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oz2dVWfYsCw

[joshcryer]

35. China as publicly expressed regret for the ongoing coalition air strikes in the country.

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-20-0#update-16596">4:47am China, which abstained from the UN Security Council vote approving military action in Libya, has publicly expressed regret for the ongoing coalition air strikes in the country.

"China has noted the latest developments in Libya and expresses regret over the military attacks on Libya," said a statement from the country's foreign ministry.

"We hope Libya can restore stability as soon as possible and avoid further civilian casualties due to an escalation of armed conflict."

[Swede]

39. Thanks,Josh.

K&R

[joshcryer]

41. Add Russia to the list of those publicly disapproving of military action in Libya

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-20-0#update-16626">5:37am Add Russia to the list of those publicly disapproving of military action in Libya now that hostilities have begun. China has "expressed regret," the African Union has called for an "immediate halt," and now Moscow has "reacted 'with regret'" to the air strikes, according to a report by CNN.

The Russian statement said that the UN Security Council resolution on Libya - which came more than a month after the regime began killing civilian protesters - was "hastily adopted".

[joshcryer]

42. Three U.S. B-2 stealth bombers dropped 40 bombs on a major Libyan airfield.

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-20-0#update-16641">6:10am More information on the force that has been deployed against Libya in the past 24 hours. CBS News reports: Three U.S. B-2 stealth bombers dropped 40 bombs on a major Libyan airfield.

[joshcryer]

44. Iraq's parliament was set to vote (likely in favour) about whether to recognise the Libyan TNC.

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-20-0#update-16651">6:36am Iraq's parliament was set to vote (likely in favour) about whether to recognise the Libyan national opposition council but had to delay until after the Persian new year - set to begin tonight - in order to get a quorum, Al Jazeera's producer in Baghdad reports.

[joshcryer]

45. Libya: Benghazi's rebels know it is now them or Gaddafi

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/12/libya-benghazi-gaddafi-revolution">Libya: Benghazi's rebels know it is now them or Gaddafi
Ask people in Benghazi what awaits them if Muammar Gaddafi's army fights its way back into the rebel capital and the chances are they will talk about Huda Ben Amer.

Today she is one of the Libyan dictator's most closely trusted lieutenants, but nearly three decades ago Ben Amer was a young woman in Benghazi keen to earn a name with the regime. Her moment came at the public hanging of one of Gaddafi's opponents in 1984. Ben Amer rushed forward as the unfortunate man dangled from the rope, wrapped her arms around his body and used her weight to pull down until he was dead.

That stomach-churning performance won her Gaddafi's attention, and Ben Amer rose to become powerful, rich and twice mayor of Benghazi. It also earned her the enduring hatred of many in a city long viewed by the regime as riddled with subversion, where she is spoken of with the same depth of loathing and fear as the dictator.

When the revolution erupted in Benghazi last month, a crowd descended on Ben Amer's sprawling white mansion and, on discovering that she was out of the city, burned it to the ground.

[joshcryer]

46. Issandr el-Amrani gives a critical, some might say pessimistic analysis

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-20-0#update-16661">8:35am Issandr el-Amrani gives a critical, some might say pessimistic, analysis of the international intervention on his Arabist blog, wondering how the coalition will topple Gaddafi's regime while avoiding the side effects of a prolonged civil war.

Amrani predicts that the coalition's mission will move from air strikes to ground attacks and wonders how the rebels - whom he refers to as "insurgents" - will treat pro-Gaddafi civilians and the remnants of the regime.

It gets more complicated (if) the Qadhafis are gone, both Westerners and Arabs may be ready to deal with regime remnants (particularly if they play a role in getting rid of the Qadhafis) but the insurgents may not want anyone associated with the former regime in place. So prolonged civil war is one possible outcome, yet again. This is why some kind of recognized leadership for the insurgency that is able to negotiate with whoever comes after Qadhafi is necessary.

[joshcryer]

47. 5 questions few are asking about Libya (must read)

http://www.arabist.net/blog/2011/3/20/5-questions-few-are-asking-about-libya.html">5 questions few are asking about Libya
1. UNSC Resolution 1973 isn't really about getting a ceasefire, is it?

Not really. Even if Qadhafi were to produce a real ceasefire, which is unlikely, the rebels would not observe it: they would keep trying to topple the regime. This resolution, under the guise of obtaining a ceasefire, seeks to carry out regime change. It would get even more complicated as the Libyan government headed by Qadhafi remains legitimate under international law, and thus can be argued to have law enforcement duties to implement against armed insurgents. This resolution is not just about preventing a massacre of civilians, it's about taking sides. The Qadhafi regime is over as far as the international community is concerned, and mission creep will ensure that things will swiftly move from imposing a no-fly zone to more direct efforts, including ground missions. This might be good for the insurgents, might split them, and might not be so good for the countries leading the intervention. Time will tell.

5. What is the most desirable outcome?

Obviously, to see Qadhafi toppled. But that's only step one. We don't know what the insurgents want aside from a Qadhafi-free Libya. We don't know what Western powers (if they are united on this) want to see. We don't know what the Arabs want to see. Libya will get increasingly porous and subject to external interference as well as possible splits on the inside. Ideally, a new government emerge that is generally seen as legitimate by Libyans and works to prevent further splits, paving the way for the creation of a new political system (a constitution, parliament, etc.) I really hope this happens, but we can't realistically expect it to be easy. We just don't know what the political forces are on the ground.

[pinboy3niner]

48. People in Benghazi enthusiastic about air and missile strikes against the Gaddafi regime

The Guadian's Libya no-fly zone – live updates:

11.15pm:

Reuters interviews people in Benghazi and they respond with enthusiasm to today's air and missile strikes against the Gaddafi regime:

Iyad Ali, 37, unemployed: "We think this will end Gaddafi's rule. Libyans will never forget France's stand with them. If it weren't for them, then Benghazi would have been overrun tonight."

Khalid al-Ghurfaly, 38, civil servant: "We salute, France, Britain, the United States and the Arab countries for standing with Libya. But we think Gaddafi will take out his anger on civilians. So the West has to hit him hard."

Faraj Omar, 55, engineer: "We've all seen the news but we'll see what the results are later. To have any effect Gaddafi must be hit in Aziziyah, this is the head of the snake," he said referring to Gaddafi's heavily-fortified Tripoli compound.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/blog/2011/mar/19/libya-no-fly-zone-live-updates#block-26

[pinboy3niner]

49. Attention is on Libya, but turmoil continues in Syria, Yemen and Bahrain

11.59pm:

While all the attention is on Libya today, there are still turmoil in other countries in the region, especially Syria, Yemen and Bahrain.

There are multiple reports of tanks patrolling the streets of Daraa in Syria, where there was a brutal security crackdown after protests yesterday. AP reports:

Syrian police sealed off a southern city Saturday after security forces killed at least five protesters there in the first sign that the Arab world's pro-democracy push is seeping into one of the region's most repressive places.

Residents of Daraa were being allowed to leave but not enter the city on Saturday, said prominent Syrian rights activist Mazen Darwish. The quick cordon seemed aimed at choking off any spread of unrest after Friday's clashes and emotional funeral processions for the dead on Saturday.

Elsewhere, there are unconfirmed reports that Nabeel Rajab, the president of the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, has been arrested in the early hours of the morning.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/blog/2011/mar/19/libya-no-fly-zone-live-updates#block-26

[Waiting For Everyman]

53. Rajab has been released

Nabeelrajab Nabeel Rajab
CNN: Bahrain rights advocate says he was beaten, blindfolded and detained http://goo.gl/cKluI #feb14 #bahrain #humanrights #torture
11 minutes ago

[pinboy3niner]

55. Thanks for the update, Waiting For Everyman

:hi:

[Waiting For Everyman]

63. Glad to. Thanks back to you.

I'd like to help more, but I'm on sporadically lately. Glad you and joshcryer are keeping this going for us all.

[pinboy3niner]

50. Misrata one of the first beneficiaries of Western aerial attacks

12.12am:

The rebel-held city of Misrata has been under siege by Gaddafi's forces for several days – and appears to have been one of the first beneficiaries of Western aerial attacks. Reuters reports:

Two residents said Gaddafi's forces appeared to have retreated from their positions, denying state TV reports that civilian areas and fuel depots were hit by the Western warplanes.

"The international forces struck Gaddafi battalions in the air military college, but some of the (government) forces fled shortly before the attack," resident Abdulbasset told Reuters by phone.

The base is 7 km from the city, which is Libya's third largest and is the last rebel hold-out in the west of the country. Another resident, Sami, said he had heard a loud explosion coming from the direction of the airbase.

"The Gaddafi forces surrounding the city started moving but we don't know where to," he said.

Earlier on Saturday, residents reported government shells and snipers had killed nine people in the city, about 200km (130 miles) east of Tripoli, and the hospital could not operate on the wounded because it had no anaesthetic.

They said the city faced a humanitarian crisis because water supplies were cut for a third day, but welcomed news of the first French air strikes to enforce a UN resolution.

"People are now optimistic and relieved. We are very grateful both to France and the EU for stepping in. Gaddafi's forces have carried out some barbaric acts here," said resident Mohammed.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/blog/2011/mar/19/libya-no-fly-zone-live-updates#block-26

[pinboy3niner]

68. Correction: Pro-Gaddafi forces are still active around Misrata

8.56am:

Sky News is reporting that , the rebels' second stronghold after Benghazi.

Snipers are on rooftops and troops encircling the city despite the overnight attacks by European and US forces, according to Sky's sources.

Al-Jazeera meanwhile is saying armed men have arrested the crew of an Italian ship in Tripoli port.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/blog/2011/mar/19/libya-no-fly-zone-live-updates#block-26

[pinboy3niner]

51. Qatar PM says Qatar will definitively participate in the military action in Libya

12.56am:

Qatar's prime minister has told local new channel al-Jazeera that Qatar will definitively participate in the military action in Libya

"Qatar will participate in military action because we believe there must be Arab states undertaking this action, because the situation there is intolerable.... it has become an open war involving mercenaries. I think that this is an issue that must stop very quickly," Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani said, adding:

We do not accept any harm coming to the Libyan people. We are not targeting the Libyan people, or targeting even the colonel or his sons, quite the opposite. How can we stop the bloodshed, this is our intention.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/blog/2011/mar/19/libya-no-fly-zone-live-updates#block-26

[pinboy3niner]

52. US State Department advises against American journalists traveling to Libya

1.08am:

The US State Department has tonight released an advisory notice recommending against American journalists traveling to Libya. A spokesman said that no US officials remain in the country, and advised that US citizens already in Libya should get out immediately.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/blog/2011/mar/19/libya-no-fly-zone-live-updates#block-26

[Turborama]

56. K&R & Thanks a lot for all your hard work, Josh. Can I ask a favor, though?

I seem to have a bit of trouble finding your daily threads sometimes. I've added you to my buddies list so I can check to see if you've added them to your journal but you don't seem to have one. Is that right? If so, is there any chance you could set one up to make it easier for those of us who add you onto our buddies lists? Also, they might get featured on the front page, as Catherina's were sometimes.


:hi:

[joshcryer]

58. I'll add them to my journal in just a sec.

Sorry about not getting to that.

:hi:

[Waiting For Everyman]

57. Iranian cargo plane en route to Syria forced to land in Turkey for inspection.

AbdulHamidAhmad Abdul Hamid Ahmad
by BOILING_SKIES
An Iranian cargo plane en route to Syria has been forced to land in Turkey's south eastern Diyarbakir airport for an inspection.
4 minutes ago

[joshcryer]

59. Libya: The Benghazi rebels I knew

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8392890/Libya-The-Benghazi-rebels-I-knew.html">Libya: The Benghazi rebels I knew
Crossing illegally into a Libya in turmoil nearly a month ago, I had little idea what to expect once across the border with Egypt; quite possibly armed looters, religious fanatics, and regime gunmen.

Instead, at Benghazi's best hotel, we were warmly welcomed with cups of tea and offers of help by a self-appointed committee to assist journalists. "We are so glad you have come," said a businessman-turned-revolutionary in his fifties who had lived for years in West London. "You must tell the world what has been happening in our city."

Benghazi's population had held peaceful protests, inspired by the revolution in next door Egypt, until they were attacked by mercenaries.

Somehow, armed with not much more than courage, they overthrew Colonel Gaddafi's hated rule in the East. We discovered a very orderly revolution, run by people who were proud of what they had done. There were no religious fanatics, no looters, and if there were still any regime gunmen around, they were keeping a very low profile.

[joshcryer]

60. Anyone doubting the revolutionary spirit needs to read this. The anti-revolutionary propaganda...

...being posted on DU is just people arguing to argue, trying to win points, and being ardently-anti-war. But violence is necessary when a tyrant won't step down. And I applaud the revolutionaries for holding on as long as they did.

[pinboy3niner]

61. British confirm details of RAF Tornado attack jets' airstrikes on Libyan targets

1.17am:

The UK military has officially confirmed that Royal Air Force planes also took part on the attack on Gaddafi's forces, with flights by GR4 Tornados firing Storm Shadow missiles – a European version of the cruise missile – at targets in Libya:

A statement from the Chief of Defence Staff's strategic communications officer Major General John Lorimer:

British armed forces, as authorised by the UN Security Council Resolution 1973, have participated in a co-ordinated strike against Libyan air defence systems.

In addition to the Tomahawk land attack missiles (TLAM) launched from a Trafalgar Class submarine, I can now confirm that the RAF has also launched Storm Shadow missiles from a number of Tornado GR4 fast jets, which flew direct from RAF Marham as part of a co-ordinated coalition plan to enforce the resolution.

1.26am:

A statement from Defence Secretary Liam Fox has more details of the British military forces involved:

We have launched Tomahawk land attack missiles from a Trafalgar Class submarine and Storm Shadow missiles from Tornado GR4s. The fast jets flew 3,000 miles from RAF Marham and back, making this the longest range bombing mission conducted by the RAF since the Falklands conflict. This operation was supported by VC10 and Tristar air-to-air refuelling aircraft as well as E3D Sentry and Sentinel surveillance aircraft.

HMS Westminster is off the coast of Libya and HMS Cumberland is in the region ready to support operations. Typhoon aircraft are also standing by to provide support.

Our capable and adaptable armed forces are once again displaying their courage and professionalism. This action has provided a strong signal - the international community will not stand by while the Libyan people suffer under the Gaddafi regime.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/blog/2011/mar/19/libya-no-fly-zone-live-updates#block-26

[pinboy3niner]

62. Libya intervention comes too late for some

AJE's Tony Birtley reports on the deadly results of Gaddafi troops' final push on Benghazi before coalition air forces began their strikes. The video report includes civilian casualties of the tank and heavy artillery assault by Gaddafi forces on residential neighborhoods of Benghazi Saturday:

Libya intervention comes too late for some (3:28)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwMn-3lhCf0&feature=player_embedded

[pinboy3niner]

64. Gaddafi speaking live now. LINK:

http://english.aljazeera.net/watch_now/

[Waiting For Everyman]

67. Some of the tweets can be funny sometimes

FreeLibyanman FreeLibyan
We can hear u #Gaddafi, but we cant see u ..where r u hiding darling. Trying to imitate #Saddam..LOL
7 minutes ago

MotherJones Mother Jones
RT @AdamWeinstein: You know what bothers me? Qaddafi always hangs up without saying "goodbye" or "OK, guess I'll go now." #SoRude
7 minutes ago

[pinboy3niner]

69. That's funny!

I have a hard time listening to the live translation. It's more tolerable to me to read the transcript later.

[joshcryer]

73. That's great. I haven't even been following the tweets tonight. Thanks for those.

[pinboy3niner]

79. The Guardian's quick summary of Gaddafi's 15-minute speech:

(Because that would be 15 minutes of your life you'd never get back.)

10.00am:

Gaddafi has declared the air raids an act of terrorism and says he will "equip people against aggressors".

In a televised address, the Libyan leader said all Libyans were now carrying weapons to defend the country.

"We will not leave our land and we will liberate it," he said. "We have opened arms depots to equip people against aggressors."



10.41am:

More on Gaddafi's address on state television this morning. The Libyan leader didn't appear but used a voice over an image of a giant gold fist crushing a US fighter jet. The monument is at the Bab al-Azizia military barracks and compound on the southern outskirts of Tripoli.

Speaking of the "glorious hours we are living", Gaddafi said in his 15 minute speech:

• There is no justification for this cold war against Islam.

• We are arming all the Libyan people to confront you … We have trained even the women

• You will lose as you lost in Somalia and Iraq and Afghanistan

• Even the weak Bin Laden beat the west

• I am proud to have the opportunity to be leading this revolution

• We will not retreat, retreat to where?


http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/blog/2011/mar/19/libya-no-fly-zone-live-updates?commentpage=13#block-34

[pinboy3niner]

65. The Guardian timeline from beginning of Libyan protests

A brief timeline compiled by The Guardian's Warren Murray. One notable omission is Saturday's tank and heavy artillery assaults on Benghazi, Misrata and Zintan, including indiscriminate shelling and gunfire on residential neighborhoods.

3.17am:

Here is a timeline of the major developments in Libya since the start of protests inspired by uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt. I've chopped this down from a lengthy Press Association filing. It shows that when civilians began taking to the streets calling for change, Gaddafi responded immediately with deadly force.

17 February: Libyan protesters start demonstrating. Security forces respond with snipers and live fire.


18 February: 35 protesters are reportedly shot by Libyan security forces and taken to hospital after attempting to march on one of leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's homes.


22 February: Gaddafi vows to fight to his "last drop of blood" and on television calls for his supporters to "fill the streets" and "attack (the protesters) in their lairs".


23 February: British government begins its delayed evacuation of Libya. A day later, the EU and Russia condemn governments in north Africa and the Middle East for using force to break up peaceful demonstrations. Gaddafi rolls out his now-familiar tactic of blaming al-Qaida for the uprisings.


4 March: Interpol issues an "orange notice" worldwide alert against Gaddafi and 15 associates.


15 March: Gaddafi's troops begin bombing the eastern city of Ajdabiya to retake it from Libyan rebels. A day later the UN security council starts debating a no-fly zone. The Arab League, Britain and France back the resolution, tabled by Lebanon, while Russia and Germany express doubts. The UN secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, calls for an immediate unilateral ceasefire in Libya.


17 March: The security council approves a no-fly zone and "all necessary measures" to protect civilians in Libya. The resolution is backed by 10 Security Council members, with five abstentions, but crucially there is no veto.


18 March: The Gaddafi regime responds to the resolution by announcing an immediate ceasefire and "the stoppage of all military operations" but its forces continue to attack the opposition-held cities of Misrata and Adjadbiya.


19 March: Leaders from Europe, the US and Arab League meet in Paris and switfly agree to send in the jets. The French jump the gun, sending in warplanes before the official agreement. Overnight the attacks begin on Gaddafi bases and positions.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/blog/2011/mar/19/libya-no-fly-zone-live-updates#block-26

[joshcryer]

66. B-2 bombers in action over Libya - reports

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110320/local/b-2-bombers-in-action-over-libya-reports">B-2 bombers in action over Libya - reports
American B-2 bombers have been deployed over Libya, according to international media reports.

Three of the bat-shaped radar evading bombers are reported to have dropped up to 40 bombs on Libyan airfields.

Similar operations were performed in the past against airfields in Iraq.

The US and Britain have so far said that they fired 112 Tomahawk missiles at Libya from surface warships and submarines in the Mediterranean.

[pinboy3niner]

70. Gaddafi's body-snatchers stage 'evidence' of civilian 'victims' of allied bombing

4.31am:

A report from the BBC that Gaddafi's forces have been up to their now-familiar body snatching tricks, previously used to try and conceal the death toll among protesters.

Abdel, a doctor in the town of Misrata, Libya, about 200km east of Tripoli, tells BBC World television that Gaddafi loyalists have been moving the bodies of people killed in clashes between rebels and government forces to sites that have been bombed by the coalition to make it appear they have died in the strikes.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/blog/2011/mar/19/libya-no-fly-zone-live-updates#block-26

[joshcryer]

71. And there will be people who believe Gaddafi when he says X amount were killed.

They are already trying to say that the revolutionaries are terrorists and citing reports about Libyan people getting involved in Iraq. :puke:

[joshcryer]

72. An apology.

I neglected this thread throughout the night in order to argue with others on this forum about the UN Resolution with regards to the Responsibility to Protect. Because I lost someone dear to me I felt obligated to defend the revolutionaries as best that I could, despite the dishonest portrayal of them, and despite the untrue statements made about the United Nations. I'll try harder next time not to be so neglectful and to cover the events as they transpire starting tomorrow. I've said all that need be said on this matter, as I have no doubt most of the people who are concerned will not be posting about it in the next week or two.

This apology especially extends to pinboy3niner who is having to take the brunt of updates in leu of my absence. :(

Also, I will add all my updates to my journal tomorrow (well, later on today, after I get some sleep), sorry for not getting around to that yet.

[pinboy3niner]

75. No problem, Josh

I saw you on those other threads. Seeing some of the discussions there, I was happy to spend my time posting here. :)

Besides, you did an EXCEPTIONAL job on this OP. Very well done! :patriot:

[Iterate]

80. No apology accepted, because none should be offered,

for you sake only, because you'll end up underestimating what you have done (which has been fantastic) and overestimating the influence you can have (which for any of us is not much).

I went out into the other threads as well, wrote twenty+ replies, and backed away from posting almost all. Even that was probably a waste of time. Sometimes you fight. Sometimes you just have to let people be pissed. Sometimes you have to wait and let history give people the answers, even on occasion learning that you yourself were wrong at the time.

I mention history because that's about the only solace I have left after mousing through DU last night.

All I have is this: When was the last time the international community came to the defense of a virtually unarmed democratic revolution that was on the verge of being completely slaughtered? Tick tock, I don't have an answer, and I already got too many books in me head.

[pinboy3niner]

74. Libya crisis: Gaddafi troops launch bloody assault on Benghazi

Source: The Guardian

Libya crisis: Gaddafi troops launch bloody assault on Benghazi


Coalition air strikes relieve pressure on rebel forces as Gaddafi defies ceasefire


Chris McGreal in Benghazi guardian.co.uk, Sunday 20 March 2011 10.02 GMT


...


The assault by plane and ship was met with relief that at last help had come and a hope among many that the scale of the western attack – with French, British and US missiles blasting Gadaffi's tanks, air defences and much else – was an indication that, despite the official denials, regime change is the goal.

All of that only went some way to offset a widespread anger and even bitterness that the air strikes were not in time to prevent what appeared to be Gaddafi's last role of the dice – a bloody assault on the city that was the cradle of the revolution against his despotic 42-year rule.

...


But at dawn the dictator's army was fighting its way into the country's second-largest city of about 700,000 people using rockets and tanks.

...


Dozens of people were killed, among them the civilians the UN resolution was pledged to protect, and hospitals treated an even larger number wounded. As the fighting intensified, thousands fled east towards the Egyptian border in cars, pick-up trucks and buses crammed with people and what was most precious or essential – bedding and cooking pots.


More:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/20/libya-crisis-gaddafi-benghazi

[pinboy3niner]

76. At least 94 people died in Gaddafi's last push on Benghazi Friday night and Saturday morning

12:21pm

According to the AFP news agency, one hospital in Benghazi says at least 94 people died in Gaddafi's last push on the city late Friday night and Saturday morning, in the hours after the UN security council approved military action against him but before coalition planes were in the air.

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-20-0

[joshcryer]

77. Mo was one of them. That's horrible, and Gaddafi "called a cease fire." :(

[pinboy3niner]

78. Crew of Italian ship reported detained in Tripoli, ship prevented from leaving port

From The Guardian:

10.41am:

The Italian foreign ministry says it is looking into reports that the crew of an Italian ship have been detained in Tripoli and the ship prevented from leaving port on Saturday as it dropped off Libyan workers.

The Ansa news agency reports the crew of Asso 22, owned by the Naples-based shipping company Augusta Offshore, as eight Italian, two Indian and one Ukrainian.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/blog/2011/mar/19/libya-no-fly-zone-live-updates?commentpage=13#block-34

[pinboy3niner]

81. Human Rights Watch has shown support for UN-sanctioned intervention

Human Rights Watch has shown support for UN-sanctioned intervention, citing a notorious incident during Gaddafi's decades-long rule in Libya:

Since the Libyan uprising began on 17 February documented cases in which government forces opened fire on peaceful protesters and the arbitrary arrest and enforced disappearance of scores of people.

Gaddafi's deplorable human rights record over 41 years in power enhances the deep anxiety for the safety of the civilian population. Since he assumed power in 1969, Gaddafi has repeatedly used arbitrary arrests, torture, enforced disappearances, and political killings to maintain control.

The most notorious incident occurred in 1996 after a failed prisoners' revolt at Tripoli's Abu Salim prison. Security forces later killed an estimated 1,200 prisoners. The government recently started a process to compensate the families of some of those killed, but it has failed to punish any of the responsible security forces.

"The world should not ignore the serious abuses by Libyan security forces over the past month, as well as Gaddafi's demonstrated disregard for human rights over four decades," says Sarah Leah Whitson, HRW's Middle East and North Africa director.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/blog/2011/mar/19/libya-no-fly-zone-live-updates?commentpage=13#block-34


I posted an OP on this in GD a few days ago:

Libya: Benghazi Civilians Face Grave Risk--Human Rights Watch
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x674189

[pinboy3niner]

82. Mullen says Libyan regime's offensive on Benghazi has been stopped

Both CNN and AJE reporting. There also are reports that fighter jets and explosions can be heard outside eastern Benghazi--possibly coalition pilots using airstrikes to prevent any advance on Benghazi by Gaddafi forces.

[pinboy3niner]

88. CNN--Residents of Benghazi have one message, and that is: "Thankyou!"

CNN's Arwa Damon reporting from Benghazi.

She reports Benghazi residents wanting everyone to know that Gaddafi's claims of coalition attacks striking civilian targets are not true--the strikes on Gaddafi's tanks outside Benghazi were "right on target."

She also reported that the people of Benghazi "have one message, and that is: 'Thankyou!'"

[joshcryer]

83. chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff says there is no sign of Libyan regime aircraft in flight

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-20-0#update-16801">1:43pm Admiral Mike Mullen, the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, says there is no sign of Libyan regime aircraft in flight, a sign that they may have been destroyed or their facilities too badly damaged to use.

[joshcryer]

84. Western reconnaissance satellites are watching a "small garage" south of Sirte

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-20-0#update-16816">1:48pm The Washington Post reports that Western reconnaissance satellites are watching a "small garage" south of Sirte where it is believed the Gaddafi regime stores around 10 tonnes of mustard gas.

Oh lordy.

[joshcryer]

85. The Taliban has issued a statement condemning the strikes in Libya

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/live/africa/libya-live-blog-march-20-0#update-16816">2:04pm The Taliban has issued a statement condemning the strikes in Libya, saying they represent a "politically-motivated and uncalled-for intervention and adventure" of Western nations in the internal affairs of the country.

The "anti-Islamic" and "colonialist" forces don't want a solution to the bloodshed, the statement said, but rather plan to weaken Libya and take its oil through "direct invasions."

The Taliban called on Muslims and rulers in the Islamic world not to remain neutral and to help Libya to "wriggle free" and "save itself from the tentacles of the foreign colonialism."

[pinboy3niner]

86. Wrong place

I "pulled a Josh." :rofl:

[joshcryer]

87. Wow, went from +31 to +18.

I am shocked.

[pinboy3niner]

89. No, it was at 22 before it dropped

Best to ignore it and not even mention it.

[meow mix]

90. k&r for the pro-ghadaffi crowd

[pinboy3niner]

92. No, just freeper trolls who woke up under the wrong side of the bed :)

They get grumpy when their moms don't let them sleep in. :evilgrin:

[joshcryer]

91. Day 31 part 2 here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x696597